Page 69 (1/2)

Calder grunted from his spot on the other side of Gio in the back seat “Like the pestilents still holding the Air Weaver,” Calder mumbled

“I wasGio’s parents” Baer lifted his eyes to the rearview mirror to look at Gio “Are you sure they won’tthe family dinner?”

“Of course! We’re the ‘h food for an entire army”

Lucien nodded Clay and the others were packing up the weapons and boarding the pets They wouldn’t be driving up to Charleston until toht A chance for Gio to visit with his family And for him and Calder to meet the family

Suddenly, Lucien wished he were facing a horde of pestilents That definitely would have been less terrifying

Baer turned onto the street Gio indicated, and Lucien’s heart picked up He looked past Gio to find that Calder appeared to be a bit pale as well Meeting the family Would Gio introduce them as boyfriends? Or just friends?

“Is this a reunion or so?” Calder asked as he stared out the“There are so many people”

Wiley glanced past Baer “Or a town ?”

Lucien’s stootten how to breathe People were spilling out of the house More dotted the front yard, which was pretty da between the little pockets of people Voices and laughter filled the air and trickled into the car This was not a small dinner This was a small town

The house itself was a white two-story that sat far off the road There were evergreen trees in the yard and a few deciduous trees that had yet to reblooreen from the eather

“Big fa in the least surprised

“Gio!” Calder cried in a panicked tone Lucien was right behind him

Gio snatched up Calder’s hand and pressed the top to his lips “It’ll be fine They are going to love you and Lucien” He stared out theas Baer slowed to turn into the driveway “Marcello probably told Ma I was in a new relationship, so of course she invited everyone to come meet you” He leaned over and pressed a kiss to Calder’s cheek and then repeated it for Lucien “Sorry I was hoping for a smaller dinner this first time”